Salmon Kings net Bridges for next season

July 12, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with Goaltender Bryan Bridges for his second pro season.

Bridges, 21, set the Salmon Kings record for most consecutive wins (5) and posted a career high 0.977 save percentage twice (Jan 24 vs Long Beach, March 24 vs Long Beach) last season. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Victoria native was awarded ECHL Rookie of the Month for March, having earned a 5-0-1 record, 1.62 goals against average, and 0.956 save percentage.

"Bryan is a very talented goaltender who peaked at an opportune time for us in his rookie season," said Dan Belisle, Vice-President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. "We are pleased to have him return, and look forward to continue helping him train for the next level of his career."

Before turning pro, Bridges spent five seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) between the Kootenay Ice and the Seattle Thunderbirds. He currently holds the Thunderbirds records for most single season shutouts (13), best single season goals against average (1.79), most career shutouts (20), and best career goals against average (2.28).

He was invited to the 2006 Vancouver Canucks prospects camp after an injury to Julien Ellis, and then attended the Salmon Kings camp in October. In 33 regular season games in 2006-07, Bridges finished with a 14-16-1 record, 3.32 goals against average, and a 0.905 save percentage.

"Despite our loss in the first round of playoffs, I consider last season as being very successful. I believe this year will only get better," said the former Peninsula Panthers Junior ‘B' player. "I still have a few years to progress and improve my skills to move up to the next level, and the best opportunity for me to do so is in this league and with this team." Bridges also plans to assist in a hockey camp in Campbell River, BC this August.

The Salmon Kings will host the Las Vegas Wranglers for the Home Opener Series on Oct 26 and 27. Reserve your seat to exhilarating pro hockey today! Call 220-7889.



ECHL Stories from July 12, 2007


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